2 door Rubicon

[Sting gray 392]

Now that the 392 has been replaced by my TRX, I need a Jeep in the garage. I am thinking about going back to my roots...a 2 door Rubicon Wrangler. Had one in 2015, fun drive. That one had a stick. To my question, anyone have experience with the V6 with the 8 speed auto vs the manual transmission? As I am ordering new, I can build the jeep I want. Opinions appreciated. Thanks.

 

[@JC]

Get another 392

 

[Viking Jeeper]

Get another 392

Duh.

 

[Sting gray 392]

Nope. Been there done that. I want a 2 door. 392 was fun, but the TRX is that and more. Probably should not have asked this forum about anything less than a 392. The dealer still has my 392 and will sell it back to me for what he gave in trade. If it were a 2 door, never would have let it go. Oh well...

 

[Viking Jeeper]

I get it. I have never wanted a new Jeep or a 4 door Jeep. The 392 just could not be passed up.

 

[KungFu392]

Nope. Been there done that. I want a 2 door. 392 was fun, but the TRX is that and more. Probably should not have asked this forum about anything less than a 392. The dealer still has my 392 and will sell it back to me for what he gave in trade. If it were a 2 door, never would have let it go. Oh well...

What is it about the TRX that is “more” fun than a 392 Rubicon? Serious question. I know for me a truck could never be as much “fun” as a Wrangler, but many of the things I love about Jeeps are not available on any truck. And if you already have all of the off-road capability and fun that you need with the TRX, why buy another Jeep? If you want a fun 2 door, get a Hellcat Challenger. Now that’s fun. If it’s the removable roof you want, get a v8 stick convertible… there are plenty to choose from both American and import.

 

[Sting gray 392]

Had a Demon, meh, one trick pony. Always had 2 door Jeeps. I found the 4 door 392 was just not my style. The TRX is huge by large, but actually handles much better than my 392 with 35's. And then there is that supercharger whine! Each to their own. I just want to get back to a 2 door, daily toy. Not a rational decision by any means, but one I want to make. Nothing wrong with the 392...but not what I want in my choice of jeep. But hey, if that is what you want, good on you. That's why they make all different kinds of man toys!

 

[Dral97]

Check ahead with your dealer. I think I remember recently someone saying there might be issues ordering manuals.

 

[KungFu392]

Check ahead with your dealer. I think I remember recently someone saying there might be issues ordering manuals.

There are currently no manuals being produced from what I understand (or at least no new manual orders being taken).

May be best off buying used if that's what you want.

 

[KungFu392]

Had a Demon, meh, one trick pony. Always had 2 door Jeeps. I found the 4 door 392 was just not my style. The TRX is huge by large, but actually handles much better than my 392 with 35's. And then there is that supercharger whine! Each to their own. I just want to get back to a 2 door, daily toy. Not a rational decision by any means, but one I want to make. Nothing wrong with the 392...but not what I want in my choice of jeep. But hey, if that is what you want, good on you. That's why they make all different kinds of man toys!

I agree, to each his own, but you really didn't answer my question. Maybe that's because you really don't know the answer. So you like the TRX better... you don't really have a reason other than the blower whine and apparently it's not a "one trick pony." OK... that's totally fine. I like the TRX too. You don't need a reason. I simply asked to try to help you get to the answer you were purportedly looking for. But it sounds like you also don't really need our opinions on what to do about your new daily driver despite the last line in your post being ... "opinions appreciated." The cynical side of me thinks the whole point of this post was to let us all know about the "cool" vehicles you have (or have had) while still being unsatisfied. But again, that's just the cynical me talking.


Now... if you really want our opinions, here it is: If you buy a V6 Wrangler and do NOT get a stick, then you made a mistake. The ONLY reason to get the V6 gas wrangler is for the stick. If you want an auto, ANY other engine option will be better. Don't want a 4 cylinder turbo? Get a Diesel (although not an option on a 2 door). Don't want a Diesel? Get a 3.6 Manual. There. Now you have the only answer you need to your quesiton. You're welcome.

 

[ColtSeevers]

We test drove the manual before we bought the auto. I didn't like it. Felt like a video game with the hydraulic clutch just not enough feel in the clutch pedal. I'm sure people get used to it but I learned to drive a manual in a 62 ford pickup. I want to feel the clutch engage. Plus the 8 gears just makes a huge difference in all aspects of driving versus "only" 6 in the manual. I love our 2 door.

 

[dog]

I get it. I have never wanted a new Jeep or a 4 door Jeep. The 392 just could not be passed up.

This is exactly what happened to me. Always loved 2dr jeeps and never wanted a shiny new one, much less a 4dr... until along came the 392. I imagine the the 4dr will grow on me (of course with the 392 in it, I'm sure it will), but I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for 2drs.

 

[Smess]

I just went through the same dilemma, ended up getting a 2020 Recon which are very rare. they have the 4cyl turbo which I love especially right now with the gas crisis. the Recon comes with a 4.10 so the thing is FAST.

Problem is the new 6 bangers are all torque from what I understand and I would not want that. If you can find a non etorque 6 cylinder.

I hear that are great but I dont want the issue of not being able to tap in to the electrical system.

when you want an old school 2 dr you want simple and that motor is not simple

 

[Viking Jeeper]

I agree, to each his own, but you really didn't answer my question. Maybe that's because you really don't know the answer. So you like the TRX better... you don't really have a reason other than the blower whine and apparently it's not a "one trick pony." OK... that's totally fine. I like the TRX too. You don't need a reason. I simply asked to try to help you get to the answer you were purportedly looking for. But it sounds like you also don't really need our opinions on what to do about your new daily driver despite the last line in your post being ... "opinions appreciated." The cynical side of me thinks the whole point of this post was to let us all know about the "cool" vehicles you have (or have had) while still being unsatisfied. But again, that's just the cynical me talking.


Now... if you really want our opinions, here it is: If you buy a V6 Wrangler and do NOT get a stick, then you made a mistake. The ONLY reason to get the V6 gas wrangler is for the stick. If you want an auto, ANY other engine option will be better. Don't want a 4 cylinder turbo? Get a Diesel (although not an option on a 2 door). Don't want a Diesel? Get a 3.6 Manual. There. Now you have the only answer you need to your quesiton. You're welcome.

When the JL was less than a year old I went to test drive one as I was planning to drop a lot of $ on an low mileage LJR so wanted to compare. I told the salesman that I wanted a two door Rubicon with the manual trans and he said we dont really have many two doors and I dont think any of them come with a manual transmission. I went with the low mileage LJR.

 

[Sting gray 392]

First, zero f*cks given about what "cool vehicles" I have in relation to what others think. Gave up that nonsense in my early 20's. Why do I like the TRX better? Thought about that a bit, and guess I can't give you a single answer. I do know my 392 didn't handle worth 2 shits. Wandered all over the road and at 70+ I felt like I needed prayer beads...and this is from a guy who has 8 previous jeeps...all 2 doors. The TRX has a much better interior, more gizmos if that's important to you, better sound system, more room..as I am 6-4. 225 with wide shoulders. Better seats for me in the TRX. I can actually pull some weight with the TRX, has a bed of course. Not pissing in anyone's 392 cornflakes, but just my take. If you think the 392 is the best that's ever been, great, glad for you. And if I can't get a decent 2 door Rubicon with a stick, I might just end up buying my 392 back...just to have a Jeep in the garage...you know...for impressing folks on the car forums with all my cool shit.

 

[KungFu392]

First, zero f*cks given about what "cool vehicles" I have in relation to what others think. Gave up that nonsense in my early 20's. Why do I like the TRX better? Thought about that a bit, and guess I can't give you a single answer. I do know my 392 didn't handle worth 2 shits. Wandered all over the road and at 70+ I felt like I needed prayer beads...and this is from a guy who has 8 previous jeeps...all 2 doors. The TRX has a much better interior, more gizmos if that's important to you, better sound system, more room..as I am 6-4. 225 with wide shoulders. Better seats for me in the TRX. I can actually pull some weight with the TRX, has a bed of course. Not pissing in anyone's 392 cornflakes, but just my take. If you think the 392 is the best that's ever been, great, glad for you. And if I can't get a decent 2 door Rubicon with a stick, I might just end up buying my 392 back...just to have a Jeep in the garage...you know...for impressing folks on the car forums with all my cool shit.

Now that was an actual answer (and a whole lot of smarta55ery to boot). That was the data that I actually asked you for. I love the idea of getting a TRX when I sell my Duramax, but I really wanted to hear from someone who had experience with the TRX and a vehicle I already love (Rubi 392). Again, the point of my question was to learn what some people think is great about the TRX. As for the Jeep… there are certainly options out there for manual 2 doors if you don’t feel the need to build a brand new one to impress people you don’t know. And I don’t think we know yet if they will be offered with a manual in 2023, but if so, it sounds like you should be able to order one soon.

I haven’t driven a 2door JL, so maybe the manual isn’t nearly as weak sauce as it feels in the JLU.

 

[Stonehide]

Now that the 392 has been replaced by my TRX, I need a Jeep in the garage. I am thinking about going back to my roots...a 2 door Rubicon Wrangler. Had one in 2015, fun drive. That one had a stick. To my question, anyone have experience with the V6 with the 8 speed auto vs the manual transmission? As I am ordering new, I can build the jeep I want. Opinions appreciated. Thanks.

The 8spd is superior to the manual in just about every way, except for scratching the itch of rowing your own. Really it comes down to what you want to use it for; if you want to do any technical offroading, the auto is your best option, and if you're just cruising around town with the top down, the manual is plenty serviceable.

But remember, if you don't drive a manual, you're not a real man and definitely not cool on the forums. That's why I have a 6spd!

 

[@JC]

First, zero f*cks given about what "cool vehicles" I have in relation to what others think. Gave up that nonsense in my early 20's. Why do I like the TRX better? Thought about that a bit, and guess I can't give you a single answer. I do know my 392 didn't handle worth 2 shits. Wandered all over the road and at 70+ I felt like I needed prayer beads...and this is from a guy who has 8 previous jeeps...all 2 doors. The TRX has a much better interior, more gizmos if that's important to you, better sound system, more room..as I am 6-4. 225 with wide shoulders. Better seats for me in the TRX. I can actually pull some weight with the TRX, has a bed of course. Not pissing in anyone's 392 cornflakes, but just my take. If you think the 392 is the best that's ever been, great, glad for you. And if I can't get a decent 2 door Rubicon with a stick, I might just end up buying my 392 back...just to have a Jeep in the garage...you know...for impressing folks on the car forums with all my cool shit.

Well my 392 isn't even at Granger yet and I just placed an order for a TRX to trade my PW in on... so I still say go get the 392 back

 

[Smess]

What is it about the TRX that is “more” fun than a 392 Rubicon? Serious question. I know for me a truck could never be as much “fun” as a Wrangler, but many of the things I love about Jeeps are not available on any truck. And if you already have all of the off-road capability and fun that you need with the TRX, why buy another Jeep? If you want a fun 2 door, get a Hellcat Challenger. Now that’s fun. If it’s the removable roof you want, get a v8 stick convertible… there are plenty to choose from both American and import.

I had a TRX for a short period of time. I have had PW'salso so it appears we have similar taste.

I alos have a friend that has similar taste as I do and we both felt the TRX, while cool for a pick up, was not fun and special enough to keep in the collection.

If you are driving a pick up you want the opportunity to pull and I mean pull like 20k plus and the TRX cant do the give me a Wrangler for fun and a Ram for pulling.

If I reach billionaire status I would buy a TRX because I can but with limited fleets it didnt make the cut.